Wind-actuated novelty device

ABSTRACT

A wind-actuated, spinning novelty display device enabling a user to quickly, easily and interchangeably mount and transport a pinwheel-type rotational display device on a vehicle and to enjoy an active display of a selected logo, mascot depiction, design and/or vocal, thereby enabling a user to demonstrate patriotism, support for a sports team or to display any other personal interest capable of visual and/or audible expression by providing a dynamic showcase for individual interests and/or beliefs.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wind-actuated novelty devices and, more specifically, to a mountable, spinning novelty display device. The present invention is particularly useful wherein, although not strictly limited to, an individual desires to mount and transport a pinwheel-type display device on a vehicle, wherein the rotational display device is quickly, easily and removably secured to a vehicle window, enabling a user to enjoy an active display of a selected logo, design and/or vocal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Most individuals enjoy expressing their support for popular sports teams, collegiate affiliations, political candidates and/or personal interests or beliefs. Vehicle displays can be an effective means of such expression, since road trips typically provide encounters with numerous cars and trucks and the passengers riding therein. In fact, many individuals utilize their vehicle as a forum by affixing specialty bumper stickers and decorative or personalized license plates.

[0003] However, some vehicle owners prefer to avoid affixing traditional decorative or display articles to the bumpers or other surfaces of their car or truck primarily because of the potential for damage to the finish of the vehicle and/or the relative permanence of such displays. Vanity license plates are also generally permanent, much like bumper stickers. Furthermore, each such permanent display can limit a vehicle owner to repeatedly expressing the same message or team support. Although magnetic signs that removably affix to vehicle doors have been designed, thereby allowing a user to interchange between a variety of fairly inexpensive displays, such signs are typically two-dimensional and are usually only visible from one side of a vehicle.

[0004] To provide a more noticeable display, removable flags are available in a variety of colors and designs, wherein a user can display support for a sports team in the morning and a political organization in the afternoon, simply by replacing the flag on a vehicle window frame. Such flags and windsocks can be eye-catching, but have become somewhat commonplace thus disadvantageously losing some appeal.

[0005] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for an easily noticeable wind-actuated novelty display device enabling a user to removably and securely mount and display a pinwheel-type device on a vehicle, wherein each display device can incorporate a variety of logos, specialty coloration effects and/or rotationally activated sound effects, thus preventing the above-discussed disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a vehicle-mountable, spinning novelty display device, wherein a user can quickly, easily and interchangeably mount and transport a wind-actuated rotational display incorporating a selected logo, mascot, design or vocal.

[0007] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention is a wind-actuated, rotational novelty display device enabling a user to demonstrate patriotism, support for a selected sports team or to display any other personal interest capable of visual and/or audible expression, wherein the present invention can be handheld, positioned on or in the ground, or removably secured to a moving or stationary vehicle to provide a dynamic showcase for individual interests or beliefs.

[0008] More specifically, the present invention is a display head positioned on a support arm, wherein the support arm enables secure and removable placement and display of the spinning novelty device on a vehicle. The display head is preferably a generally flat, circular shaped disk with a plurality of air receiving and deflecting ports extending outwardly therefrom and defined therethrough, wherein air received and deflected through the ports results in rotational movement of the display head. The distal end of the support arm securely retains the display head between rotational support guides, and the base of the support arm provides a mount or bracket for removably secure fastening to a vehicle window or doorframe. The display head is aesthetically designed to provide a dynamic visual show and can incorporate many effects such as, for exemplary purposes only, holographic images, reflective ornamentation, distinctive coloration, lights, insignias, logos, mascot depictions, licensed characters and/or other notable styles or features. Wind-actuated audible effects may also be incorporated, wherein cheers, mascot vocals or musical tunes would accompany the visual display.

[0009] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a method for visually communicating personal interests or beliefs to others.

[0010] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to enable a user to quickly and easily change from one type of display to another.

[0011] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a dynamic visual display.

[0012] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide an audible display in combination with a dynamic visual display.

[0013] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a wind-actuated novelty display, wherein visual and audible effects are wind-driven.

[0014] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to incorporate and display logos, mascot depictions, emblems and notable coloration to enhance visual display and to endorse a sports team, patriotic cause, product, holiday or any other targeted representation.

[0015] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to enable a handheld, vehicle mounted, or otherwise supported wind-actuated display device.

[0016] These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wind-actuated novelty apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a device without a mount or bracket thereon.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wind-actuated novelty apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 3 is a side view of the wind-actuated novelty apparatus 1 of FIG. 3, showing a display head with an example of a sports team mascot image, logo and design thereon.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wind-actuated novelty apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a front view of a wind-actuated novelty apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing a display head with an example of sports team mascot image, logo and design thereon.

[0023]FIG. 6 is a side view of the wind-actuated novelty apparatus of FIG. 5, showing a support member without a display head mounted thereon.

[0024]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a wind-actuated novelty apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the figures and/or described herein, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention is a wind-actuated novelty device 10, generally comprising display head 20 and support member 80. Preferably, display head 20 is generally flat, circular shaped disk 22 with first surface 24 a, second surface 24 b and central aperture 26. While a generally flat, circular shape is preferred for display head 20, other shapes and surface styles are contemplated and could be utilized such as, for exemplary purposes only, a polygonal shape, a generally undulating or wavy shape, a pinwheel, floral shape or a generally freeform shape, some of which are more fully described herein.

[0027] Preferably, a plurality of air receiving and deflecting ports 28 a and 28 b extend outwardly from first surface 24 a and second surface 24 b, respectively, of display head 20. Each port of plurality of ports 28 a preferably defines a generally triangular shape, wherein first arcuate edge 30 a, together with first surface 24 a of display head 20, defines air inlet 32 a. Generally arcuate, triangular deflector 34 a of each port of plurality of ports 28 a is preferably secured to first surface 24 a of display head 20 via any securing means known within the art such as, for exemplary purposes only, epoxies, resins or integrally formed therewith, wherein air passing through air inlet 32 a is directed by deflector 34 a through port aperture 36 a to exit through second surface 24 b.

[0028] Each port of plurality of ports 28 b is preferably generally triangular shaped, wherein first arcuate edge 30 b, together with second surface 24 b of display head 20, defines air inlet 32 b. Generally arcuate, triangular shaped deflector 34 b of each port of plurality of ports 28 b is preferably secured to second surface 24 b of display head 20 via any securing means known within the art such as, for exemplary purposes only, epoxies, resins or integrally formed therewith, wherein air passing through air inlet 32 b is directed by deflector 34 b through port aperture 36 b to exit through first surface 24 a. Although one skilled in the art would readily recognize that deflectors 34 a and 34 b could be integrally formed with display head 20 in lieu of being secured thereto, any other suitable forming or securing means could be utilized. Preferably, the positioning of the plurality of ports 28 a and 28 b is alternating, wherein adjacent ports on display head 20 receive, direct and deflect air from and in opposing directions, thereby generating rotational movement of display head 20.

[0029] Distal end 82 of support member 80 securely retains display head 20 preferably between support guides 84 a and 84 b, wherein support guides 84 a and 84 b extend outwardly from support member 80 and pass over first and second surfaces 24 a and 24 b, respectively, of display head 20 to form a ball-bearing grip on rotation edge 26 a of central aperture 26. Each support guide 84 a and 84 b is preferably positioned relative to display head 20 so as to enable unhindered spinning or rotational movement of wind-actuated novelty device 10. Preferably, support member 80 is generally elongated with base 86 providing window mount or bracket 88 for the removably secure fastening of wind-actuated novelty device 10 to a vehicle window or doorframe, wherein mount or bracket 88 is known within the art. Although window mount or bracket 88 is preferred for base 86 of support member 80, wind-actuated novelty device 10 could be manufactured without a bracket or mount, wherein wind-actuated novelty device 10 could be hand-held or support member 80 could be inserted into the ground.

[0030] Support member 80, first surface 24 a, second surface 24 b and/or ports 28 a and/or 28 b preferably include visual effects such as, but not limited to, holographic images, reflective ornamentation, distinctive or glow-in-the-dark coloration, insignias, mascot depictions, licensed characters, patriotic colors, religious indicia, seasonal ornamentation and/or any combination thereof. FIG. 3 illustrates a representative mascot image and licensed character positioned on first surface 24 a and a coloration pattern designed to enhance visual display during rotation of wind-actuated novelty device 10.

[0031] In an alternate embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 2, display head 20 could be substantially solid without central aperture 26 defined therein, wherein support guides 84 a and 84 b could be rotationally secured to a central pivot-bearing axis 90.

[0032] In an alternate embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 4, display head 20 could be a generally circular formed member having an undulating surface, wherein the rise and fall of the undulations would enable display head 20 to catch air currents and generate rotational movement of wind-actuated novelty device 10.

[0033] In an alternate embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 5, display head 20 could be pinwheel shaped.

[0034] In an alternate embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 6, distal end 82 of support member 80 could retain display head 20 on pivot mount 100, wherein display head 20 would rotate thereabout. Moreover, pivot mount 100 could carry display mount 102 generally centrally extending therefrom, wherein display mount 102 could carry visual display effects such as, but not limited to, holographic images, reflective ornamentation, distinctive or glow-in-the-dark coloration, insignias, mascot depictions, licensed characters, patriotic color displays, religious indicia, seasonal ornamentation and/or any combination thereof.

[0035] In an alternate embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 7, display head 20 could have a generally freeform shape, wherein the structure thereof would be sturdy enough to maintain the freeform shape and would define a freeform shape capable of utilizing air currents to actuate rotational movement thereof.

[0036] In an alternate embodiment, wind-actuated audible effects may be incorporated into display head 20 to enable cheers, mascot vocals or musical tunes to accompany the visual display, wherein wind-actuated rotation of device 10 could activate an electronic sound synthesizer carried thereby to generate a mascot vocal, cheer, musical tune or any other desired audible display.

[0037] In an alternate embodiment, a motion activated audible effect sound synthesizer could be incorporated into wind-actuated display device 10 to enable cheers, mascot vocals or musical tunes to be initiated in response to motion detection to generate a mascot vocal, cheer, musical tune or any other desired audible display.

[0038] In an alternate embodiment, a sound synthesizer could be incorporated into wind-actuated display device 10, wherein such sound synthesizer could be battery, solar or electrically powered.

[0039] In an alternate embodiment, a sound emitting and recording device could be incorporated into wind-actuated display device 10, wherein a user could selectively record and audibly display a personalized message.

[0040] In an alternate embodiment, display head 20 could have more than one support member 80.

[0041] In an alternate embodiment, display head 20 could have only one plurality of air receiving and deflecting ports 28 a or 28 b extending outwardly from either first surface 24 a or second surface 24 b, respectively.

[0042] In an alternate embodiment, each port of plurality of ports 28 a and/or 28 b could define any general shape such as, for exemplary purposes only, crescent shape, diamond shape, square or rectangular shape or a combination thereof.

[0043] In an alternate embodiment, distal end 82 of support member 80 could securely retain display head 20 with one support guide, wherein the support guide could extend outwardly from support member 80 and pass over either surface 24 a or 24 b of display head 20 to form a generally arcuate grip on rotation edge 26 a of central aperture 26, thereby enabling unhindered spinning or rotational movement of wind-actuated novelty device 10.

[0044] In an alternate embodiment, support member 80 could be provided with a base to enable placement on antennae, positioning in soil, standing on pavement or any other generally horizontal surface, clipping or affixing to a chair, affixing to a hat or umbrella or any other type of display desired by an individual.

[0045] In an alternate embodiment, wind-actuated novelty device 10 could have illuminated display members or lights provided thereon, wherein such lights could be battery, solar, wind powered or could be provided with electrical connectors to enable plugging in to a common electrical outlet or a vehicle lighter adaptor.

[0046] In an alternate embodiment, wind-actuated novelty device 10 could include a rotation-generating motor, wherein such motor could be battery, solar, wind powered or could be provided with electrical connectors to enable plugging of the same into a common electrical outlet or a vehicle lighter adaptor.

[0047] In an alternate embodiment, wind-actuated novelty device 10 could be designed to enable removal and replacement of display head 20, wherein a user could interchange displays without removing support member 80 from display position.

[0048] In an alternate embodiment, support member 80 could have two interlocking, telescoping or otherwise connecting members, thus enabling display head 20 and support arms to be removed from the base and easily interchanged.

[0049] In an alternate embodiment, at least one surface 24 a or 24 b could have a fastening means such as, for exemplary purposes only, hook and loop fastener or adhesive, to enable removal, replacement and exchange of a variety of interchangeable display schemes.

[0050] It should be noted that visual effects and general logo representations as shown herein, specifically in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, are for exemplary purposes only, and as such, one skilled in the art will recognize that other known designs and effects having a multitude of shapes and sizes may be utilized.

[0051] In use, window mount or bracket 88 of base 86 of support member 80 is removably secured to a vehicle window or doorframe. While the vehicle is stationary, blowing wind passes through a plurality of air receiving and deflecting ports 28 a and 28 b, thereby generating rotational movement of display head 20. During vehicle operation, movement of wind-actuated display device 10 through the air enables similarly generated rotational movement of display head 20.

[0052] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wind-actuated display device, comprising: at least one support member, said at least one support member having a display member mount carried proximate to a first end; a rotational display member, said rotational display member carried by said display member mount of said at least one support member, wherein said rotational display member is generally flat and generally circular shaped; and a plurality of air receiving and deflecting ports, said plurality of ports carried by said rotational display member and said plurality of ports enabling wind-actuated rotation of said rotational display member.
 2. The wind-actuated display device of claim 1, wherein said rotational display member has a central aperture.
 3. The wind-actuated display device of claim 1, wherein each said air receiving and deflecting port of said plurality of air receiving and deflecting ports is opposingly positioned relative to each said adjacent air receiving and deflecting port of said plurality of air receiving and deflecting ports to enable the passage of air through said rotational display member in alternating directions.
 4. The wind-actuated display device of claim 1, further comprising a device base support, said device base support carried proximate to a second end of said at least one support member.
 5. The wind-actuated display device of claim 4, wherein said device base support is a vehicle window mount.
 6. The wind-actuated display device of claim 1, further comprising at least one visual effect.
 7. The wind-actuated display device of claim 6, wherein said at least one visual effect is removable.
 8. A spinning display novelty device, comprising: a support member, said support member having a display mount carried proximate to a first end; a wind-actuated spinning display member, said wind-actuated spinning display member carried by said display mount of said support member; an audible effect generator, said audible effect generator carried by said spinning display novelty device and said audible effect generator capable of activation by rotation of said wind-actuated spinning display member; and a device base support, said device base support carried proximate to a second end of said support member.
 9. The spinning display novelty device of claim 8, wherein said wind-actuated spinning display member is generally circular shaped and has at least one undulating surface, wherein said undulating surface enables wind-actuated rotational movement of said wind-actuated spinning display member.
 10. The spinning display novelty device of claim 8, wherein said wind-actuated spinning display member is generally pinwheel shaped.
 11. The spinning display novelty device of claim 8, wherein said wind-actuated spinning display member is generally freeform shaped, wherein said freeform shape is capable of utilizing air currents to actuate rotational movement thereof.
 12. The spinning display novelty device of claim 8, wherein said audible effect generator is an electronic sound synthesizer.
 13. The spinning display novelty device of claim 8, wherein said audible effect generator is powered.
 14. The spinning display novelty device of claim 13, wherein said audible effect generator is motion sensor activated.
 15. The spinning display novelty device of claim 8, wherein said audible effect generator is a sound emitting and recording device.
 16. The spinning display novelty device of claim 8, further comprising at least one illuminated display member.
 17. The spinning display novelty device of claim 8, further comprising a rotation-generating motor.
 18. A wind-actuated display device, comprising: at least one elongated support member, said at least one elongated support member having a display member mount carried proximate to a first end; a rotational display member, said rotational display member carried by said display member mount of said at least one support member; a plurality of air receiving and deflecting ports, said plurality of ports carried by said rotational display member and said plurality of ports enabling wind-actuated rotation of said rotational display member; a sound synthesizer, said sound synthesizer carried by said wind-actuated display device and said sound synthesizer capable of operation responsive to rotation of said rotational display member; a device base support, said device base support carried proximate to a second end of said at least one elongated support member and said device base support enabling removable placement of said wind-actuated display device on a vehicle, wherein an outer surface of said rotational display member has coloration and indicia.
 19. The wind-actuated display device of claim 18, wherein said indicia comprises a licensed logo or brand marking.
 20. The wind-actuated display device of claim 18, wherein said sound synthesizer emits a vocal.
 21. The wind-actuated display device of claim 18, wherein said sound synthesizer emits a tune.
 22. A method of wind-actuated visual and audible display comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a wind-actuated display device with a support member, a rotational display member, a plurality of air receiving and deflecting ports, said plurality of air receiving and deflecting ports carried by said rotational display member and said plurality of air receiving and deflecting ports enabling wind-actuated rotation of said rotational display member, a sound synthesizer, said sound synthesizer carried by said wind-actuated display device and said sound synthesizer capable of operation responsive to rotation of said rotational display member, and a device base support, said device base support enabling removable placement of said wind-actuated display device on a vehicle; b) placing said wind-actuated display device on a vehicle; c) enabling wind-actuation of said rotational display member and said sound synthesizer by collection of moving air. 